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Sierra Leone and Cuba Sign Regular Diplomatic Consultation Agreement

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Sierra Leone and Cuba Sign Regular Diplomatic Consultation Agreement

Press Release

The Government of Sierra Leone and the Government of Cuba on Friday 19th March, 2021 signed an Agreement on Regular Diplomatic Consultation during a virtual meeting between the Foreign Ministers of both countries.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs Nabeela Farida Tunis extended fraternal greetings to her Cuban counterpart, Mr Bruno Rodriquez Parrilla. Also, on behalf of His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, she thanked the Government and People of Cuba for providing Medical Brigades to Sierra Leone both during the Ebola epidemic and now the COVID-19 pandemic. The support during the pandemic, she said, helped to prevent the spread of the virus, as the Brigade team provided fantastic support to the Sierra Leone Medical team imparting them with pertinent knowledge in general healthcare.

The Foreign Minister said the signing ceremony marked another milestone in the bilateral relations that have existed for decades between the two sister countries. Minister Farida Tunis stated that the agreement, would tighten and deepen further the long standing friendship that the two countries have enjoyed.

Also, she informed her Cuban counterpart of Government’s desire to have discussions with the Cuban Government on establishing long term medical brigade in Sierra Leone that would be deployed across the country. Moreover, the discussions will also focus on how the two countries would work towards sustaining agreements on cooperation and on boosting the healthcare system of Sierra Leone. She requested from her counterpart for consideration of Sierra Leone when vaccines are readily available from Cuba. 

Furthermore, Minister Tunis disclosed to Minister Parrilla  the intention of Sierra Leone bidding for the United Nations Security Council Non-Permanent seat in 2024 and solicited support in that direction. She further disclosed President Julius Maada Bio’s consideration of having a presence in Cuba at Charge d’ Affairs level.

The Presence of Sierra Leone in Cuba she concluded would enhance meaningful bilateral cooperation. In his statement, the Cuba Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla expressed appreciation to his Sierra Leone counterpart for her relentless efforts in tightening the bilateral bonds between Cuba and Sierra Leone.

He expressed gratitude for the 49th celebration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Sierra Leone describing the occasion as historical and a benchmark for traditional mutual ties between the two countries. Mr Parrilla said, the signing ceremony of the agreement is an important step in strengthening and deepening the bilateral relations between Cuba and Sierra Leone.

Minister Parrilla emphasized that the bond of friendship between the two countries has started years back and has been enjoyed by the people of both countries. The Cuba Foreign Minister reiterated that the bilateral cooperation between Cuba and Sierra Leone is a priority for the Cuban Government.

He expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to Sierra Leone for the stance taken on multilateral issues including the 60 years economic embargo on Cuba. Speaking on the issue of the pandemic, Minister Parrilla said, as a government, they have been following up on the global trend and that his country has been able to keep the spread of the virus under control, despite the 300 COVID-19 death the country had suffered. His country’s vaccines, he said, are on clinical trials and promised that when they would be made available, Sierra Leone would be considered. 

Speaking on his country’s support to Sierra Leone, Mr Parrilla said that the Government of Cuba is planning to hold a technical cooperation meeting with the Sierra Leone Government on the medical field and that regarding the bilateral cooperation on education, they are considering an increase in the number of scholarships to Sierra Leone.

The Cuba Foreign Minister stated that Cuba and Sierra Leone have maintained an excellent tradition in supporting each other, assuring that Cuba will continue to support Sierra Leone’s interests at the multilateral levels.

He concluded that the Cuban Government highly welcomes the idea of Sierra Leone having a presence in Cuba and of receiving H. E. President Bio and Minister Nabeela Tunis in Havana when the COVID- 19 situation allows safety to travel.

Present at the signing ceremony were the Director General and Ambassador-at-Large, Mrs Florence Nyawa Bangalie,  Director of Americas and South Pacific who coordinated and moderated the meeting, Mrs Isha Sillah, Deputy Director of America and South Pacific, Mr Steven Levey and staff of the America Division.

 

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SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Charge d’Affairs of Lebanon, Mr Hadi Jaber Bids Farewell to Salone Foreign Minister

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Lebanon Charge d’Affairs, Mr Hadi Jaber Bids Farewell to Salone Foreign Minister

Press Release

The Charge d’Affairs of Lebanon to Sierra Leone, Mr Hadi Jaber on Tuesday, 23rd February, 2021 bade farewell to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs Nabeela Farida Tunis at her Tower Hill Office, OAU, Driver, Freetown.

In his farewell statement, the Charge d’Affairs spoke on the strong bilateral relationship between Lebanon and Sierra Leone which he said has spanned for decades now. Mr Jaber highlighted some of the development strides his country embarked on in Sierra Leone.

Mr Jaber said during his stay in the country, the embassy together with the Lebanese Community in Sierra Leone donated some food aid and facilitated the arrival of some Medical Practitioners from Lebanon who spent more than 2 months in Sierra Leone to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

He assured the Minister that his Successor would follow up on other remaining issues, deepen the bilateral ties, exploring on other development issues and work on the bilateral agreements on taxation, investment among others.

The Charge d’Affairs commended the Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for the good collaboration and stronger ties between the two countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs Nabeela Tunis in her response said it had been a pleasure working with the Charge d’ Affairs adding that, as a Ministry they are satisfied with the cooperation under the stewardship of the Charge d”Affairs and the Embassy and that they are looking forward to continue to strengthen the cooperation with his successor.

Mrs Tunis said the Government of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone are aware and appreciate the efforts made by Mr Hadi Jaber, the Embassy and the Lebanese Community to get the required assistance to help the Government in its response to COVID-19.

Minister Tunis thanked the Charge d’Affairs for the bilateral agreement on Taxation and Investment that has been placed on the table; reminding him of Government’s strides in focusing on trade and investment by creating an enabling business environment for both entrepreneurs and potential investors to thrive into the country.

She thanked the Charge d’Affairs for his efforts in the issue of Sierra Leonean domestic workers in Lebanon, the legitimization of visa issuance to future and intending domestic workers to Lebanon and supports in the areas of health and education. 

Minister Tunis commended Charge d’Affairs, Mr Jaber for cooperating with the Ministry and Government on issues of national and global concerns.

She concluded her statement by wishing Mr Hadi Jaber on behalf of the Ministry and the Government of Sierra Leone the very best in his future engagement.

In attendance were the Deputy Director of Operations, the Director of Asia and Deputy Director of Protocol.

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SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Presentation of COVID-19 Materials and Financial Support to the Government of Sierra Leone

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After assiduously mobilising financial and material support in response to the call of the government of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Ambassador to Washington DC, His Excellency Abou – Bakar Sidique Wai and his Embassy staff through the Minister of Development and Economic Planning, Dr Francis Kaikai, have presented today to the Foreign Minister consignment of COVID-19 materials and financial support.

In February this year, Ambassador Abou -Bakar Sidique Wai received a request from the government of Sierra Leone soliciting support in the fight against COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. Through the diligent leadership of Ambassador Abou -Bakar Sidique Wai, Sierra Leone’s diaspora community in the USA and other good friends have donated 1 Forty feet container of COVID-19 materials. These items include two respirators that cost US$1.5million, five Respirators from Argentina, 22000 Face Masks, and financial support of US$50,000.

Ambassador Abou-Bakar Sidique Wai and staff put together a Task Force upon receipt of the request from the government of Sierra Leone. The responsibility of this task force was to oversee the mobilisation of donations that the country direly needs to fight the pandemic. The Task Force was headed by Dr Michael Rogers, who brought together credible board members in ensuring accountability and transparency.

With the United States recording the highest infection rate globally and its economy stagnated, Ambassador Abou -Bakar Sidique Wai and the team were able to reach out to the Sierra Leonean diaspora. According to Ambassador Abou-Bakar Sidique Wai, well-wishers responded generously.

“My staff worked overtime and contributed resources, and together, we are presenting this token to the government of Sierra Leone from the support of the Sierra Leone diaspora community”. Ambassador Abou-Bakar Sidique Wai noted that he appreciates the Sierra Leone embassy staff for rising to the occasion.

In his presentation of the donations at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington DC, Dr Francis Kaikai showered appreciation on the Embassy for positively responding to the call of the government of Sierra Leone at a very critical moment. “We are delighted to participate in this event, and I sincerely acknowledge the efforts of Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora and friends of Sierra Leone”.

“The exercise was very transparent with accountability exhibited,” Dr Kaikai said. Dr Francis Kaikai notably recognised Dr Judy Kuriasky for his support towards fundraising and materials donated for the fight against COVID-19 in Sierra Leone.

On behalf of the government of Sierra Leone, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nabeela Tunis expressed that the donation will go a long way in supporting and enhancing the government’s effort against the pandemic. “The accountability and transparency manifested by the Ambassador, staff of the Embassy,  and the COVID -19 Task Force in the USA will motivate other Sierra Leoneans”, she stated. Mrs Nabeela Tunis commended the leadership demonstrated by Ambassador Abou-Bakar Wai and the entire Embassy staff for mobilising Sierra Leoneans to support their country.

The Minister emphasised the government’s gratitude to the COVID-19 Task Force in the USA for the amount of time and effort dispensed to harness support. She concluded by sympathising with all Sierra Leoneans that had lost their loved ones during the pandemic.

 

The team at NACOVERC closely worked with the Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington DC and the COVID-19 Task Force -the USA in making the project a success.

 

 

PEL Koroma

Information Attache – Washington DC

    

 

(Embassy of Sierra Leone- 1701 19th Street, N.W, Washington, DC, 20009)

Sierra Leone Foreign Minister Holds Fruitful Discussions with China’s State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs

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Sierra Leone Foreign Minister Holds Fruitful Discussions with China's State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs

Press Release

The Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone, Mrs Nabeela Tunis, on 31st July 2020 had a tele-meeting with her China’s State Councilor Wang Yi. Minister Tunis in her initial remarks, reassured Councilor H. E. Wang Yi of Sierra Leone’s continued commitment to further strengthen the diplomatic ties that have existed between the two countries for nearly half a century.

Minister Tunis described China as a reliable partner to Sierra Leone’s socioeconomic development drive, and reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to continue working closely with China to achieve goals and objectives that are of common and shared  interest and  mutually beneficial to both countries, especially in the international arena.

Minister Tunis highlighted the current challenge that COVID-19 continues to pose to the development ambitions of the Government and appealed to her Chinese counterpart to consider working with the Government of Sierra Leone in investing in Education, agriculture, promotion of local industry, fisheries, and technology transfer.

In response, the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, H. E Mr Wang Yi, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening the mutual trust and friendship that continues to flourish between the two countries. Minister Wang also reaffirmed China’s continued commitment to working with the government of Sierra Leone to defeat COVID-19, as well as to assist the country to recover from the economic setback caused by the pandemic.

Minister Wang disclosed that the Chinese Government will tap into special funds set aside for Africa to help Sierra Leone promote its development objectives in Education, health, agriculture, fisheries, and other areas. H.E., Councilor Wang Yi further informed of his government’s willingness to sign a cooperation agreement with Sierra Leone on implementing the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI).

Councilor Wang Yi and Minister Tunis agreed that the two countries should engage in proper planning and execution of cooperation agreements as diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and China approach 50 years.

He concluded by confirming China’s willingness to work with African countries including Sierra Leone, for the advancement of common interests in the international fora.

 

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SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Foreign Minister Holds Virtual Bilateral Talks with Rwanda Minister

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Sierra Leone Foreign Minister Holds Virtual Bilateral Talks with Rwanda Minister

Press Release

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs Nabeela Farida Tunis on Tuesday July 28th 2020 held a Virtual bilateral conversation with Rwanda Minister, Mr Vincent Biruta.

During the virtual Meeting, the two ministers discussed several issues of mutual interest ranging from cooperation on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, cooperation on international platforms including the United Nations and Africa Union, to the signing of a Joint Cooperation Commission in Sierra Leone later this year.

Minister Tunis, on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, expressed her sincere condolences to the Government and people of Rwanda for the precious Rwandan lives that have been lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Tunis appealed for a continued global and regional solidarity to defeat the COVID-19 disease. Minister Nabeela Tunis went on to inform her counterpart of the ratification by the Sierra Leone Parliament of the Cooperate Agreement that was signed between the two countries in 2019.

Minister Tunis told her Rwanda counterpart, Minister Vincent Biruta that Sierra Leone is looking forward to receiving a team of experts from Rwanda to operationalized the Agreements.

The Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta assured Minister Tunis  of Rwanda’s commitment to further strengthen the already strong bilateral ties that have existed  between the two countries for decades.

Minister Biruta highlighted key areas of potential socioeconomic and technological cooperation between Sierra Leone and Rwanda .

Minister Biruta underscored the importance of the Joint Cooperation Commission that will be signed in Freetown after the COVID-19 restrictions on travel are relaxed.

Both Ministers agreed to continue working closely on issues of mutual interest both at the bilateral and multilateral levels.

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SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Signing of Exchange of Notes on Japanese Grant-in-Aid to Support the Fight Against COVID-19 in Sierra Leone

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Press Release

On 8th July 2020, the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of Japan signed Exchange of Notes for a Japanese Grant-in-Aid worth about 3.6 million United States Dollars.

The Exchange of Notes were signed by H.E Mrs Francess Virginia Anderson, High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Ghana and H.E Mr. HIMENO Tsutomu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Sierra Leone.

During the signing ceremony the Japanese Ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s determination to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two countries and assured the Sierra Leonean side of his country’s commitment to assist Sierra Leone, not only in the fight against Covid-19, but in other areas of the health sector as well, and other sectors of social economic development such as energy and education through support to the school feeding programme of HE President Bio’s Free Quality Education initiative.

High Commissioner Francess Virginia Anderson responded by first conveying the thanks and appreciation of H.E President Julius Maada Bio for Japan’s continued support to Sierra Leone. She also assured her Japanese counterpart of the government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation with Japan.

The High Commissioner further reassured of her Government’s readiness to receive the medical equipment that will be provided through this grant-aid, which she said will save many Sierra Leonean lives.

The Kingdom of Morocco Supports Sierra Leone with Medical Items in the Fight against COVID-19

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Kingdom of Morocco donates medical items

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Wednesday 24th June, 2020 received assorted medical items from the Government and People of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea, H.E. Amb. Alimamy Bangura welcomed the Director of the United Nations and International Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign and International Cooperation of Morocco, Mr. Redouane Houssaini, on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone.

He stated that the donation has come at a time when the country needed it most adding that it would be utilised judiciously.

In his handing over statement, Mr. Redouane Houssaini said the donation has been made on the instruction of His Majesty King Mohammed VI who out of his altruistic belief decided to provide medical assistance to some African countries to strengthen the South-south Cooperation in solidarity with African countries to combat the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that the donation was to assist the Government of Sierra Leone in the fight against the COVID-19 adding that the spirit behind the gift was a clear manifestation of the long standing bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Morocco.

He reiterated the importance of His Majesty’s “Africa initiative” which was launched in April last year aiming at establishing an operational framework in order for African countries to assist, learn and get best practices from one another when faced with unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Solomon Jamiru Esq, expressed thanks and appreciation to His Majesty, King Mohammed VI and people of Morocco for standing in solidarity with the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Mr. Jamiru expressed appreciation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs.  Nabeela Tunis for her relentless efforts in coordinating with the country’s bilateral partner for the donation.

He assured that the medical items constituted a very timely donation and that they will be used for their intended purposes in complementing government’s efforts in fighting the common enemy.

The Deputy Foreign Minister elucidated the challenges emanating from the Corona Virus disease with a total of over one thousand, three hundred (1,300) cases, about fifty-five (55) deaths and that the recoveries per cumulative confirmed positive cases is about 63%.

He informed the Director of UN and International Organisation of Foreign Affairs of Morocco that, Government will continue to prioritise surveillance as the core function of contact tracing, taking deliberate steps to expand the scope of COVID-19 testing, strengthening the wide spectrum of operations in the Emergency from surveillance to case management, quarantined to security and from risk communication to social mobilization.

The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Anthony Sandy on behalf of the Minister of Health and Sanitation expressed similar sentiments for the timely donation.

In attendance were the Deputy Director General-Policy, Mr. Unisa Sahid Kamara, the Director of Africa, Mr. Yusufu F. Benga-Sama, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and staff of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health and Sanitation.

 

Lungi: (MFAIC Press Office Freetown)

MFAIC Successfully Held its 1st Virtual Conference with Sierra Leone’s Heads of Missions

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conference with ambassadors and high commissioners

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday 19th June held its maiden Virtual Conference with Sierra Leone’s Heads of Missions (Ambassadors and High Commissioners) from the country’s various Missions abroad at the Minister’s Conference Hall on the fifth Floor of the Ministry at Tower Hill, Freetown.

Welcoming the Ambassadors and High Commissioners on behalf of the Minister, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Florence Nyawa Bangalie explained that the purpose of the conference was to update them on the activities of the Ministry and to exchange ideas relating to the fight against the terminal COVID-19 pandemic.

Updating them on the activities of the various Divisions at the Ministry, Mrs. Bangalie said the Administration and Finance Division has ended induction training sessions for Administrative (Cadet) Officers and Press Attaches, the advanced stage for the construction of the Diplomatic Academy in Freetown and the Ministry’s Guest House at Lungi are ongoing, the Ministry she added, had got a VIP fleet for state visitors.

In the America Division, she said a request for assistance has been sent out for Medical personnel and essential medical facilities to the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, C and Canada adding that Argentina, Cuba and Canada have responded with their assistance.

In the Europe Division, she said, an appeal has been made to the Deputy Head of EU delegation to Sierra Leone to prevail on the German Government to open a Consular Section in Freetown for the issuance of Schengen Visas. The processes to repatriate 800 alleged Sierra Leoneans from Germany, she said, is ongoing and that the re-opening of Sierra Leone’s Mission in Paris and the opening of Iceland Embassy in Freetown are also ongoing.

DG Bangalie further stated that the Asia Division has successfully coordinated medical assistance and other essential medical equipment for COVID-19 from other countries. She said, upgrading of the diplomatic ties between Sierra Leone and India is ongoing among other activities.

The Protocol Division, she maintained among other activities, organized a meeting between His Excellency the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the Diplomatic Corps in Sierra Leone.

She further revealed that, Multilateral, Research, Planning and Knowledge Management and Africa Divisions are playing pivotal role in the discharge of their assigned duties.

Giving the keynote statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis congratulated the Ambassadors, High Commissioners and staff of the Ministry at home and abroad for their enormous individual and collective contributions in ramping up support to assist His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in the fight to combat the Coronavirus disease in the country.

Their efforts in yielding such significant fruits in the past couple of months Mrs. Tunis said was as a result of teamwork.

She reiterated that since she was appointed by His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio as Minister, she has learnt that organizational success can only be achieved through in-depth consultations, widespread participation and respect for people, established institutions, procedures and rules.

She entreated all to cultivate and inculcate the culture of teamwork and demonstrate unreserved respect for one another as well as the established norms of the Civil Service Code, Rules and Regulations which clearly spells out the lines of communication and reporting structures.

Minister Tunis told Head of Missions that, before the outbreak of COVID-19, her Ministry had set out critical targets among which were the completion of the Sierra Leone’s new Foreign Policy Guide, the Enactment of the Foreign Policy Act by Parliament and the assessment and restructuring of the country’s Consular Posts which is in line with the National Development Agenda.

Mrs. Tunis ascertained that, with the support and inputs from the Ambassadors, High Commissioners and her indefatigable staff, those targets could be achieved in record time.

Minister Nabeela Tunis encouraged the Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing the country abroad to work in the realization of the dream of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio to make Sierra Leone a prosperous nation through education, trade and investment.

She concluded by craving their individual and collective indulgence to continue the arduous task of identifying Sierra Leone’s comparative advantage in their respective duty stations as well as to explore tangible areas they could exploit to support the growth and development of the nation.

(MFAIC Press Office Freetown)

COVID-19

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Supports the Fight Against COVID-19 by Donating Le 135,082,000 to EOC

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COVID-19

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Monday June 1st 2020 supports the fight against COVID-19 by donating Le 135, 082, 000 together with one hundred 25Kg bags of rice to the National COVID Operations Centre at the SLFA Football Academy, Kingtom, Freetown.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Florence N. Bangalie said that the idea of the Ministry’s support came in during a management meeting where they deliberated on how they as citizen could come in to help His Excellency’s strides in the fight against COVID-19 in the country.

Director General added that all staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation including officers at post agreed to contribute the said amount to support Government in the fight to end the COVID-19 plaque.

She lauded the sacrifices of her staff for raising such huge amount especially at these trying times.

Presenting the donations, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis informed the gathering that, the initiative was borne out by the Director General and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The Minister revealed that such initiative was not new to the staff of the Ministry as according to her in 2014, the Ministry contributed some to EOC maintaining that such initiatives were to support government’s efforts and to ensure that their support to those scourges were owned by Sierra Leoneans and to also recognized the efforts of all EOC staff and Health Workers in the fight against those plaques.

The money Minister Nabeela Tunis said was willingly contributed by staff constituting the Ministry’s Messengers right up to her level adding that the contributions range from ten thousand Leones (Le10, 000) to five million Leones and had been collected over a month.

She reiterated her Ministry’s contributions in the fight against COVID-19 by facilitating several layers of supports from other countries and partners.

Minister Tunis concluded her statement with the announcement of an addition of a hundred bags of 25kg rice to support government’s efforts to adequately cater for those in the Quarantined and Isolation Centres.

Receiving the donations, the National COVID-19 Coordinator, Rtd Brigadier Kellie Conteh expressed on behalf of staff of the EOC thanks and appreciations for such a impressive venture taken by staff of the Ministry to not only appreciate His Excellency’s President Bio’s efforts in the COVID fight but also aiding the EOC.

He commended the Ministry for such ventures adding that the initiatives of the Foreign Ministry was a sign of good leadership among Civil Servants and called on other Ministries to emulate the outstanding example of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The National COVID-19 Coordinator thanked the Minister for supporting the fight at both home and abroad.

The Deputy Director General, Operations, Mr Duwai Lungay informed that the bags of rice donated to the EOC was given to the Ministry by one of the country’s long standing bilateral NGO partners, Direct Aid.

He explained the COVID-19 has affected the Ministry’s operations especially at the International level.

 

(MFAIC Press Office Freetown)

Cotton Tree Medical Group Donates 500 Pieces of N95 Face Masks to Government of Sierra Leone

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Cotton Tree Medical Group

Press Release

The Cotton Tree Medical Group, a social enterprise company which operates in Freetown on Thursday April 2nd 2020, donated 500 pieces of N95 to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Welcoming the Cotton Tree Medical Group and Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the handing over ceremony which was held in the Directors’ Conference Room at the Ministry, the newly appointed Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Florence Nyawa Bangalie said the donation had come in at a time when the country had recorded its second case of the Coronavirus infection. The donation she said was an indication that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to the efforts of government in the fight against the COVID-19 Virus. She maintained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had communicated to all its Missions abroad requesting all Sierra Leoneans and Governments to assist the country with protective equipment in the prevention and fight against the dreadful disease.

In his brief remarks, the Director of Asia who is also the Chairman of the COVID-19 Task Force at the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Wiston T. Yankuba stated that the donation was indeed an important gesture as its came in when WHO had declared COVID-19 as a pandemic.

Representing the Owner and CEO of the Cotton Tree Medical Group and a Sierra Leonean based in Washington DC, Dr. Fouad Sheriff, Mr. Alfred M. Jamiru said that the donation was done in light of the world pandemic of COVID-19 and the company’s commitment to help Sierra Leone battle against the dreaded virus. He commended the efforts of the Government in putting out preventive measures earlier. Mr. Jamiru further stated that as a Medical company, they want to ensure that health professionals have the right personal protective gears they needed to prevent them from being victims of the virus while helping in the various communities. He concluded by appealing that the donation made be distributed to frontline workers, such as Community Health Officers, Nurses and Doctors; while stating their commitment to doing their part to keep Sierra Leoneans safe and healthy.

In his response on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Nabella Farida Tunis, the Deputy Minister, Solomon Jamiru Esq thanked the company on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the timely donation. He spoke about Government’s efforts in the fight to prevent the virus from entering the country. He went on to reiterate that, now that the country had recorded two cases, the Government has mounted up more robust measures in combating its spread. He called on other Sierra Leoneans to emulate such gestures in aiding the fight against the dreadful virus in the country.

Receiving the donation from the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Philip D. Kargbo on behalf of his Ministry applauded the company for its kind gesture and assured that the N95 Face Masks would be made available to the intended beneficiaries.

 

(MFAIC Press Office Freetown)

Diplomatic Corps in Sierra Leone Donates Items for the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)

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Diplomatic Corps in Sierra Leone donates to EOC

Press Release

A cross section of members of the Diplomatic Corps in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, 8th April, 2020 presented a list of donated items for the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) through the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis.

Presenting the list of items to the Minister on behalf of his colleagues at a ceremony held at the Director’s Conference Room of the Ministry, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency, Dr. Habiss Ibrahim Ugbada, High Commissioner of Nigeria to Sierra Leone, said they were presenting the items to the EOC to show solidarity with the Government and people of Sierra Leone.

High Commissioner Dr. Ugbada re-assured the Minister that as partners in development, the Government and people of Sierra Leone are not alone in the fight to combat the deadly scourge in the country. He said they would continue to partner with the Government of Sierra Leone in achieving the desired development goals of the ‘New Direction’ under the administration of His Excellency President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

Receiving the list of donated items, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis thanked the Diplomats for their unwavering support to the EOC, Government and people of Sierra Leone during this crucial times. She stated that irrespective of the global spread of the COVID- 19 which has overwhelmed every nation in the world, the Diplomats have come together to support the country by donating such items. This, she maintained, exhibited the kind of relationship Sierra Leone has established with them which has transcended beyond boundaries.

Also, she updated the gathering that Sierra Leone has registered seven (7) confirmed cases with no loss of lives, adding that the Government of His Excellency President Julies Maada Bio is working hard to curtail the spread of the deadly virus in the country.

She called on the Diplomatic Community in Sierra Leone to work together in combating the pandemic in the world.

The list included 55 buckets, 44 packets of tissue, 37 rolls of toilet roll, 2 Cartoons of Dettol, 12 Cartoons of Hand wash soaps, 276 packs of water, 14 ½ Cartoons of Laundry soap, 15 Gallons of Bleach soap, Hand sanitizer, 1 Cartoon Hand Glove, 7 Cartoons of Liquid Dettol soap and provisions.

The ceremony was attended by all the Directors of Ministry.

 

(MFAIC Press Office Freetown)

Ground Breaking Event for the Construction of ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi

Ground Breaking Event for the Construction of ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi

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Ground Breaking Event for the Construction of ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi

The ECOWAS Commissioner for General Administration and Conferences, Mr. Vafolay M. Tulay on Wednesday, 5th February, 2020 called on the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Solomon Jamiru Esq at his Tower Hill office in Freetown. Speaking on the purpose of his visit, Commissioner Vafola said it was to inform the ministry of the ground breaking event for the construction of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi of which the Hon. Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh is expected to turn the sod on Saturday 8th February, 2020.

Commissioner Tulay said that he was pleased to be in Sierra Leone for phases 2 and 3 of the project which according to him, will last for about 15 months. He went on to highlight some of the issues that the Commission would like to make sure that they are taking care of in order to ensure a smooth execution of the project; especially in the area of transporting material from Guinea to Sierra Leone.

The Hon. Acting Minister, Soloman Jamiru Esq in his response said the construction of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot is an encouraging development for Sierra Leone and that, for Sierra Leone to take such tangible steps indicated that, the country is giving meaning to the declarations and resolutions of ECOWAS.

He assured Commissioner Tulay of his Ministry’s support and added that his Ministry stands with the Commission to complement this all important construction project.

The construction of the regional logistics depot is one of several development projects commenced by ECOWAS towards attaining peace and stability in West Africa. This project will augment Peace Support Operations and support for democracy and good governance in the region.

An 18-acre piece of land was given to the ECOWAS Commission by the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone for the establishment of a regional logistics facility in Freetown. This logistics depot is one of the two depots approved for West Africa by the Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS Community. The other (humanitarian) depot is in Mali.

 

(MFAIC Press Office Freetown)